Inflation hits where it hurts

According to CAMRA (one of the few special interest groups with which I have some sympathy), by the time the Olympics arrive a pint of beer will cost £5. By beer they mean the usually-cheaper foamy stuff such as bitter and ale, of course; the story will be worse for larger.

Indeed, “By the end of this year the cost of a pint will have risen by an inflation-busting 25 pence”, and in London they have found beer for sale at £3.70 a pint.

(Amateurs! I was in the Bunch of Grapes in Borough a couple of weeks ago and was charged £3.95!).

Of course the price has already been way above that in clubs, bars and swanky outlets, but in the traditional (and not so traditional) British pup one had hoped that reality would not bite. But with the cost of fuel, agricultural produce and potentially labour on the rise, it won’t be long before we reach the next horrendous milestone.

But we must stop people getting drunk, so that's okay. Nevermind that increasing the price of drinks like beer (or alcopops) just means people buy more liquor... and when they drink it at home they will be even more generous with the size of a shot...

If beer reaches £5 though, how long will it be until the counter-economy steps in to provide it illegally?

Aldgate, 2 weeks ago, Youngs at £2.50 (a Scot was paying, so he strongly indicated that we should drink that). Rather tasteless, but very well kept. Drink Bath Ales Gem if you want taste: £2.35 in the right places (has been seen at £1.99, but that must have been some spot market leftovers).